Isaac and Rebekah
God’s Introduction
Isaac is introduced as the son of promise (Gen. 12-21), and Rebekah was the highly sought after wife for him (Gen. 24). We are told very little about Isaac himself, as most of his important information revolves around his father, Abraham, and his son, Jacob. From the promise made to Abraham (then known as Abram) in Genesis 12 to the birth of Isaac in Genesis 21, 25 years had elapsed. We can see the dedicated lineage from which Isaac came. His father and mother were wholly devoted to God’s service, so he began life with a firm foundation.
We meet Rebekah in Genesis 24. She is described as very beautiful, pure, and with a heart for service (Gen. 24:16). When Abraham’s servant found Rebekah, he worshipped God (Gen. 24:26). What a blessing it is to find a woman who prompts you to praise God. Rebekah also came from a God-fearing family, as illustrated by Genesis 24. Truly, Rebekah was exactly the kind of wife that Abraham had in mind for his son.
Character’s Identification
For their importance in the lineage of Jesus, what we read about Isaac and Rebekah is largely negative. Sure, they started out very well, but we very quickly read about Isaac’s deception of Abimelech (Gen. 26:6-10). Why did Isaac feel the need to lie? He feared for his life. Such attitudes ran in the family. We read later in the chapter that Isaac re-dug the wells of his father, Abraham. God was with him in this endeavor (Gen. 26:24). He was later able to “bury the hatchet” with Abimelech as a result of God’s blessings.
Genesis 27 also shows Rebekah in an unfortunate, albeit truthful, light. Because of her favoritism for Jacob, she deceived her husband to bestow the blessing to the younger son. We see the danger of favoritism in parenting.
After this event, the Biblical point of view shifts to Jacob and his descendants. Rebekah’s death is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. Jacob died at 180 years old (Gen. 35:28). Both of them were buried in Machpelah (Gen. 49:31), the traditional burial place of the family of Abraham.
Our Impression
1. A good wife is invaluable. The search for Rebekah was great. Abraham had strict criteria for who would be a fit wife for his son. The Bible mentions her physical beauty, but her purity and dedication to God are highlighted. What would have happened if she had maintained that dedication throughout life? Today, it is so important to find a spouse who will help you get to Heaven.
2. Deception is deadly. So much of the narrative of Isaac and Rebekah revolves around their lies and deception. Nothing good ever occurs from it. Flee lying and follow truth.
3. Favoritism is failure. Since Rebekah favored one son over the other, she set off a chain of bad events. Parents today should love their children equally and seek to treat them fairly.
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